December 24, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers center
Jaxson Hayes (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Christmas matchup against the Houston Rockets. The 25-year-old big man hurt his left ankle in Tuesday's loss to the Phoenix Suns, logging only five minutes. Hayes recently started two consecutive games while
Deandre Ayton was sidelined with an elbow injury. Now that Ayton has returned, Hayes offers little fantasy value. If Hayes sits out Thursday,
Maxi Kleber and
Jarred Vanderbilt could see increased minutes in the rotation, though neither player is an attractive fantasy option.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Green Bay Packers running back
Josh Jacobs (knee, ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. This is now back-to-back days that Jacobs has been able to get through a limited session. Jacobs has been playing through lingering knee and ankle issues since Week 11. It has resulted in a smaller workload with 12 carries in each of his last two games. Fellow back
Emanuel Wilson actually out-touched Jacobs during last week's loss to the Chicago Bears. The 26-year-old rushed for 82 yards and could see a larger share in the backfield, given that Jacobs is still banged up. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the injury report ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Jacobs has been a must-start fantasy RB all year with 14 total touchdowns in 14 games, but he's literally limping to the finish line.
--Andy WebbSource: Matt Schneidman
December 24, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers forward
Rui Hachimura (groin) is set to end a two-game absence on Thursday, as the team has listed him as probable for a matchup against the Houston Rockets. The Japanese forward has missed back-to-back games for groin injury management purposes.
Jake LaRavia has been in the starting unit during Hachimura's absence and will likely land back on the bench against Houston, which would negatively impact his fantasy value. Hachimura has been quiet in December, averaging only 9.4 points, a significant drop-off from his season average of 13.3 points per game. Getting buckets won't be easy on Christmas Day either, as Houston has a top-10 defense.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Houston Rockets forward
Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) has picked up a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of the team's Christmas Day clash against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 32-year-old has yet to play this season following offseason ankle surgery. It would be a special night for Finney-Smith if he can make his season debut on Thursday, as he finished last season with the Lakers. During the offseason, the Rockets signed Finney-Smith as a free agent to a four-year, $53 million contract, clearly seeing a significant role for him in the rotation. Once he's in the lineup, Finney-Smith will almost certainly play with a minutes restriction, limiting his fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
New York Jets rookie tight end
Mason Taylor (neck) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session. Taylor has missed each of the last two games due to a neck injury. He's trending in the wrong direction to begin the week as the Jets head into their final home game against the New England Patriots in Week 17. The Jets have been using a committee approach between
Jeremy Ruckert,
Stone Smartt, and
Jelani Woods over the last two games with Taylor sidelined. Ruckert has at least two receptions in four straight games, while Smartt caught five passes last week. Neither of these players should be considered viable options in 12-team fantasy formats ahead of Week 17. Fantasy managers should be preparing to be without Taylor for a third straight game this weekend.
--Andy WebbSource: Rich Cimini
December 24, 2025
Houston Rockets center
Alperen Sengun (calf) is listed as questionable on the injury report ahead of a Christmas Day tilt against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Turkish big man is experiencing tightness in his left calf and may have to sit out his third game of the season. Sengun's absence from the lineup on Christmas would allow
Clint Capela to move up in the pecking order, with
Steven Adams likely taking over the starting center role.
Jabari Smith Jr. could also get some minutes at the No. 5 spot. With that said, Thursday presents a tough matchup for Houston's bigs, as the Lakers have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to centers this season -- trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers point guard
Luka Doncic (leg) has been officially listed as questionable for Thursday's Christmas game against the Houston Rockets. Doncic is nursing a left leg contusion and wasn't in the lineup on Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Doncic is expected to play on Christmas Day, but the questionable designation keeps his status uncertain. Should Doncic be unavailable,
Nick Smith Jr. could make a second straight start. Alternatively, the Lakers might return
Austin Reaves to the starting lineup; he played 22 minutes off the bench on Tuesday after missing three games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
New England wide receiver
Kayshon Boutte (concussion) was one of eight Patriots players to miss Wednesday's practice as he works through the league's concussion protocol. Boutte was injured on a deep pass late in New England's Week 16 win over the Ravens that controversially did not see a flag thrown for pass interference. Veteran receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) also missed Wednesday's practice with an abdominal issue, but if he's able to suit up for a Week 17 divisional matchup with the Jets, he is the most likely candidate to assume Boutte's downfield role, putting him in a valuable spot against New York's struggling defense. Since becoming sellers at the NFL trade deadline, the Jets have been one of the most fantasy-friendly defenses in the league, and they come into Week 17 having allowed at least 330 passing yards in back-to-back games. The Patriots' injury report will need to be monitored throughout the week, as there is fantasy gold to be mined from their passing attack, with
Drake Maye coming off his own 380-yard passing performance, the highest of his young career.
--Patrick McGrathSource: New England Patriots
December 24, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Mack Hollins (abdomen) was not available for the team's first practice of the week with an abdominal issue. The veteran wideout caught seven of nine targets for 69 yards in a Week 16 win over the Ravens, and he could be in line for another high-floor fantasy performance if he's able to suit up in Week 17. Third-year wideout
Kayshon Boutte (concussion) is currently in the league's concussion protocol and also missed Wednesday's practice. If Boutte misses Sunday's divisional matchup, Hollins could assume more of a downfield role against a Jets defense that has allowed 676 passing yards and eight total touchdowns across the last two games. With Boutte sidelined earlier this year with a hamstring injury, Hollins enjoyed his best two-game stretch of the season, including a WR28 finish against the Jets in Week 11. His status will need to be monitored throughout the week, but if Hollins clears the injury report by Sunday, he has flex potential for championship weekend.
--Patrick McGrathSource: New England Patriots
December 24, 2025
Detroit Lions running back
Jahmyr Gibbs has been inconsistent as a rusher in recent weeks, as he's been held to 3.6 yards per carry or less in five out of his last six games. The 23-year-old was able to save his Week 16 production with his work as a receiver, recording 10 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gibbs has been heavily involved in the Lions' passing game since Detroit placed tight end
Sam LaPorta (back) on Injured Reserve. Across six games without LaPorta, Gibbs has hauled in 40 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns on 51 targets. Gibbs' receiving work may need to continue carrying his production in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings enter the week ranked 12th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1). Gibbs had his least productive game of the season in his first matchup of the year against Minnesota, racking up just 28 scrimmage yards on 12 touches in Week 9. However, he may see a few more touches this time around, as Lions back
David Montgomery (illness) is officially listed as questionable to play on Thursday. Gibbs remains a must-start fantasy running back, but fantasy managers may want to downgrade expectations in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal (neck) missed his second practice of the week after suffering a neck strain late in the team's Week 16 win over the Cowboys. After undergoing an MRI early in the week, he was considered day-to-day, but he has yet to return to the practice field, putting his availability for a Week 17 matchup with the Texans in question. Vidal had been splitting snaps with
Omarion Hampton since the rookie returned from a prolonged absence due to an ankle injury, but if he is unable to suit up on Saturday, Hampton should see bellcow duties against a tough Houston front. The matchup is not ideal for championship weekend, but Hampton has looked dynamic since returning in Week 14 and could put up low RB1 numbers if he gets the backfield to himself.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Los Angeles Chargers
December 24, 2025
Detroit Lions wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is officially listed as questionable for his team's Week 17 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings after being held to limited practice participation on both Tuesday and Wednesday. The 26-year-old has been one of the NFL's most consistent wide receivers so far this season, recording 98 receptions for 1,194 yards and 11 touchdowns on 144 targets. However, he faces a very difficult matchup against Minnesota. Entering the week, Minnesota ranks second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). Still, St. Brown was able to have success in his first outing against the Vikings this season, recording nine catches for 97 yards on 13 targets in Week 9. St. Brown has also earned at least nine targets in five out of his last six outings. The Lions may choose to limit his reps on Thursday due to his knee ailment, but Detroit is also in a must-win situation to keep their fading playoff hopes alive. If active, St. Brown profiles as a must-start fantasy wide receiver in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Detroit Lions running back
David Montgomery (illness) is officially questionable to play in his team's Week 17 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings after being limited in practice on Wednesday with an illness. If Montgomery is active, he will be looking to rebound from one of his least productive games as a Lion in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Montgomery recorded just four carries for 14 yards against Pittsburgh, marking his sixth straight outing with eight or fewer rush attempts. The 28-year-old also played just 13 snaps against the Steelers, his fewest in any game this season. On the bright side, Montgomery had a solid game in his first time out against Minnesota this season, recording 50 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 13 touches. Still, Montgomery's recent workload trend makes him tough for fantasy managers to trust. If active, Montgomery profiles as a low-end flex option in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Detroit Lions quarterback
Jared Goff has played solid football all season long, completing 68.6% of his pass attempts for 4,036 yards, 32 touchdowns, and five interceptions across 15 games. Goff's production has ramped up to another level in recent weeks, as he's attempted 129 passes and thrown for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns without an interception over his last three games. However, Goff and the Lions will face a very difficult matchup in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings. Entering the week, Minnesota ranks second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). In their Week 16 win over the New York Giants, the Vikings allowed Giants quarterback
Jaxson Dart to throw for just 33 yards on 13 pass attempts. In his first matchup of 2025 against Minnesota in Week 9, Goff was sacked a season-high five times. Fantasy managers in single-quarterback formats may want to avoid Goff if possible in Week 17.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 24, 2025
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Pat Bryant (concussion) has been ruled out for the team's Thursday night Christmas matchup with the Chiefs. The rookie wideout was concussed late in the Broncos' Week 16 loss to the Jaguars on a violent hit over the middle and was immediately taken to the hospital. He was released from the hospital on Tuesday but remains in the league's concussion protocol. With the Broncos playing on a short week, it was always viewed as unlikely that he would be able to suit up, but he has now been officially ruled out for Week 17. Bryant has seen his role steadily increase across the back half of the season, and with him inactive,
Troy Franklin,
Marvin Mims Jr., and tight end
Evan Engram could all see a bump in target share, while
Courtland Sutton remains a high-upside WR2.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Denver Broncos
December 24, 2025
The Cincinnati Reds signed free-agent infielder
Michael Chavis to a minor-league deal, according to Kiley McDaniel. The two sides agreed to a deal on Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training. The 30-year-old has bounced around the league since making his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2023. He spent the entire 2025 season in Triple-A Oklahoma City with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During that time, Chavis slashed .291/.350/.547 with 13 home runs and 45 RBI across 63 games. He'll get a chance to compete for a roster spot in camp, but he will likely end up in the minors as infield depth.
--Andy WebbSource: Kiley McDaniel
December 24, 2025
The New York Mets signed free-agent right-handed pitcher
Mike Baumann to a minor-league deal on Wednesday. The assumption is that this is a non-roster deal with an invite to spring training. Baumann is back in the MLB after pitching in Japan last season. He posted a 4.15 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, and 28/17 K/BB ratio across 27 appearances with the Yakult Swallows in 2025. His last time pitching in the big leagues, Baumann posted a 5.55 ERA across 57 games during the 2024 season with five different teams. The 30-year-old figures to serve as a depth option for the organization and will be off the fantasy baseball radar.
--Andy WebbSource: Jon Heyman
December 24, 2025
The Washington Nationals signed free-agent first baseman
Matt Mervis to a minor-league deal on Wednesday. According to Jon Heyman, this is a minor-league deal with a non-roster invite to spring training. The Washington D.C. native will get a chance to catch on as a possible depth option for the Nats. Last season, Mervis slashed .175/.254/.383 with seven home runs and 14 RBI in 42 games with the Miami Marlins. Mervis came up through the minors with some buzz after slugging 36 homers during the 2022 season. The 27-year-old hasn't been able to put it together at the MLB level, but he could be decent depth for the organization.
--Andy WebbSource: Andrew Golden
December 24, 2025
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Al Horford (sciatica) is listed as probable for Thursday's clash against the Dallas Mavericks. The veteran big man looks ready to play for the first time in three weeks. He has missed time due to sciatica on his right side. While Horford's return would be a welcome boost for the Warriors, he hasn't been a good fantasy option in 2025-26. The 39-year-old is struggling to hit his shots, averaging 5.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Jaden McDaniels (oblique) is considered questionable for Thursday's Christmas game against the Denver Nuggets. He could miss a second consecutive contest due to a left oblique contusion. With McDaniels out on Tuesday against the New York Knicks,
Mike Conley rejoined the first unit, logging a season-high 30 minutes. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, his production was modest, as the veteran playmaker settled for eight points and two assists.
Naz Reid and
Bones Hyland also benefit from McDaniels' absence from the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Dallas Mavericks point guard
Brandon Williams (ankle) is listed as probable for a matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day. He is dealing with an ankle sprain but has appeared in four consecutive contests. However, Williams has been limited to 15 minutes in back-to-back games, making it tough for him to live up to fantasy expectations. He lost his starting spot to
Ryan Nembhard late last month. Nembhard has been praised for his performances and looks locked into his new role, averaging 10.9 points and 7.0 assists in the first unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Dallas Mavericks forward
P.J. Washington (foot) is considered questionable for Thursday's meeting with the Golden State Warriors. He exited the lineup for Tuesday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets due to a sore right foot.
Klay Thompson (knee) and
Max Christie (illness) also didn't play on Tuesday, giving
Jaden Hardy a starting role, while
Caleb Martin logged 25 minutes off the bench. Thompson and Christie are expected back on Thursday, which would once more alter Dallas' rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown (teeth) was listed as a non-participant at Wednesday's practice after getting his wisdom teeth pulled, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. It's not what fantasy managers want to see heading into championship week in most leagues, but we expect Brown to be ready to roll by Sunday on the road in Buffalo against the Bills. The 28-year-old has had an up-and-down 2025 season, but the good news is he's been much more consistent for fantasy managers in the second half. Three of his five 100-yard games have come since the team's bye in Week 9, and Brown has seen double-digit targets from quarterback
Jalen Hurts in five of the last six contests. In what could definitely be a shootout in Week 17, Brown will be a top-12 fantasy receiver even though he had teeth pulled this week.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
December 24, 2025
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Klay Thompson (knee) is listed as probable for Thursday's special Christmas Day clash against his former team, the Golden State Warriors. Thompson has been dealing with a sore left knee for a while and skipped the second leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets. The veteran sniper began the week in impressive fashion, netting 20 points on 5-for-11 three-point shooting against the New Orleans Pelicans. He would no doubt love to replicate the effort against his former teammates on Thursday. Since leaving Golden State, Thompson has averaged 19.8 points and shot nearly 48 percent from three against the Warriors.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Max Christie (illness) is considered probable for Thursday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors. He looks ready to return to the lineup on Christmas Day after missing two contests due to illness. Christie is averaging a career-high 11.4 points on 45.3 percent three-point shooting, also notching 3.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. However, Christie's production has been inconsistent since he was relegated to a bench role earlier this month, making him difficult to trust in fantasy.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Ajay Mitchell (concussion) won't play in Thursday's Christmas matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, missing a second consecutive game. Mitchell landed in concussion protocol after his early exit from Monday's victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. With him out, the Thunder have lost their fourth-highest scorer. Mitchell has notched 14.1 points per game in 26.1 minutes, adding 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals.
Alex Caruso,
Isaiah Joe, and
Aaron Wiggins could see increased minutes off the bench on Thursday, but they are not reliable options for fantasy teams.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Chet Holmgren (face) will be ready for a rematch against
Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day. The big man made an early exit on Tuesday against the Spurs after suffering a facial injury. It seems Holmgren's injury was minor, as he is not listed on the team's injury report for Thursday's game. While Holmgren was quiet against San Antonio on Tuesday, he has posted decent numbers this month, averaging 18.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard
Lonzo Ball (knee) will be active on Christmas Day against the New York Knicks. He sat out the second leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Ball has struggled with scoring this season, averaging 5.6 points on 30.5 percent shooting. Across 23.9 minutes per game, he has also notched 4.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals. On Thursday, Ball will probably have his usual workload, but he isn't expected to make a big impact.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center
Evan Mobley (calf) is listed as questionable for a Christmas meeting with the New York Knicks on Thursday. Mobley suffered a left calf strain on Dec. 12 and was ruled out for 2-4 weeks. Yet, it looks like he might return from injury sooner than expected.
Dean Wade's fantasy stock would take a significant hit with Mobley's return. Wade has started in each of the last five games, averaging 5.4 rebounds and scoring double-digit points three times.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
December 24, 2025
New York Knicks forward
OG Anunoby (ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day. He skipped Tuesday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a sore left ankle. Anunoby had a big performance in this season's first meeting with the Cavaliers, notching 24 points, 14 rebounds, and three steals. Recently, he has dealt with some efficiency issues, averaging 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in December. With
Jalen Brunson (ankle) also back for the Knicks on Thursday,
Mitchell Robinson and
Tyler Kolek will be relegated to the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
RADIO
